Are you on the hunt for a complete printable family vacation packing list? Well. You’ve come to the right place!
Creating a packing list before your family vacation, or even for a weekend getaway, is a good idea! Packing lists can help you avoid forgetting items, which can help you save money. I can’t even begin to tell you all the times my family and I have forgotten essential items before we go on vacation. Even when I give myself a week to pack, it never fails; I always forget something.
Having a list also helps me mentally. Once I have the packing needs written down, my mind can relax a little because I can go back and read the list through instead of relying on my memory. Any less stress when packing for a family is a huge positive!
When I asked other moms why they don’t make packing lists for themselves, it usually boiled down to not having enough time to create one. And I totally get that, which is why I wanted to share this free printable vacation packing list to save you time and the unnecessary headache of buying things you forgot at home.
Let’s start this list with the essential items your family needs, no matter what vacation you take!
The Ultimate Packing List For The Whole Family
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Clothes
When packing clothes, we always will want to consider the type of vacation you’re taking, the weather, and how many days you will be away. However, I usually try to pack a jacket even to warm locations and warm weather tops even when headed to somewhere cold. Just in case. Here is a list of clothes to pack for each family member.
Mom
- 5-8 Outfits (shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, etc.). Of course, lessen this amount if you’re going for just a weekend. If you’re going for longer you can either pack more, or to save space, plan to do laundry.
- 1 Sweater or Cardigan
- 2 Jackets (light jacket, heavy jacket, raincoat, etc.)
- Undergarments + an extra (socks, underwear, bras, etc.)
- Sleepwear
- Beach Wear (swimsuits, cover-ups, etc.)
- 2 pairs of Shoes (sandals, running shoes, flats, etc.)
- Accessories (sunglasses, purse, sun hat, belt, scarves, etc.)
Dad
- 5-8 Outfits (shirts, pants, shorts, etc.)
- 1 Sweater
- 2 Jackets (light jacket, heavy jacket, raincoat, etc.)
- Undergarments + an extra (socks and underwear)
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit
- 2 pairs of Shoes (sandals, running shoes, etc.)
- Accessories (sunglasses, hat, belt, tie, etc.)
Kids (Per Child)
- 7-10 Outfits (shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, etc.)
- 1 Sweater
- 2 Jackets (light jacket, heavy jacket, raincoat, etc.)
- Undergarments + an extra (socks and underwear)
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit(s)
- 2 pairs of Shoes (sandals, running shoes, etc.)
- Accessories (sunglasses, bag, hat, etc.)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Shower Caddy / Shower bag
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Soap/Scrub
- Loofah
- Razor
- Shaving Cream
- Makeup (if desired) and Makeup Remover
- Glasses Cleaner, Eye Contacts, etc.
- Hair Brush
- Hair Tools (hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, etc.)
- Skincare
- Perfume
- Nail Clippers
- Tweezers
- Vaseline
- Lip Balm
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Toilet Paper
- Tissues
- Baby wipes (I take these everywhere because they’re great for everything, even though all our kids are out of diapers now!)
Health
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Sunscreen applicator
- Aloe Vera
- Insect Repellent
- After Bite
- Vitamins
- Medication
- Hand Sanitizer
Travel Documents
- Passports (if applicable)
- Photo ID
- Healthcare Card
- Itinerary, Booking Confirmations, etc.
- Tickets
Miscellaneous Important Items
- Wallet
- Money
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Cellphone & Charger
- Earbuds & Charger
- Laptop & Charger
- Tablet/iPad & Charger
- Camera & Charger
- Books & Magazines
- Snacks & Drinks
- Umbrella
- Extra Bag
- Reusable Water Bottle
Baby Travel Essentials
If you’re traveling with a baby, there are a few other essential items you will need to bring with you on your family vacation!
- Stroller
- Car Seat
- Diaper Bag
- Play Pen with Sleeper
- Changing Mat
- Diapers and Wipes
- Formula/Bottles
- Baby Food (if applicable)
- Bibs
- Burp Cloths
- Extra Outfits (onesies, sweaters, etc.)
- Hat
- Shoes
- Pacifiers
- Toys (rattles, teething toys, etc.)
- Medicine
- Soap and Shampoo
- Baby-Friendly Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Get The Printable Family Vacation Packing List Here!
What You Need For Packing
Suitcases
Depending on how long you are going and how much you have to pack, you might find it easier for everyone to have their own suitcases. While this will mean you have more stuff to cart around on your vacation, it will also make it much easier to stay organized and ensure you have enough room to pack everything you need.
If you are doing it this way, I recommend using carry-on bags if you are flying to avoid the extra cost of checking your luggage. However, if you are going on a road trip, beach vacation, or camping, you can use whatever bags you want.
Packing Cubes
A great way to save space in your suitcases is by using packing cubes. These small fabric boxes will keep your clothes, toiletries, and other items neatly organized, making it significantly easier to manage your suitcase. Everyone I know that uses them loves them and say they save so much space!
Travel Size Containers
Bringing travel-size containers of your favorite toiletries is always a good idea. Using these will save you space in your suitcase and money if you are flying, as you can only take a small amount of liquid in carry-on luggage.
Dry Bag
If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, such as camping or going to the beach, it might be worth investing in dry bags. These are waterproof and great for storing items like phones, wallets, and other electronics to protect them from water or sand.
Wet Bag
Wet bags are a must-have for traveling with babies or young kids. These are waterproof bags that can store diapers, wet bathing suits, and other wet items to keep them from getting everything else in your suitcase wet.
Day Bag
When traveling as a family, having day bags will also be essential. You can take one for the entire family to use, or you can make sure everyone has their own bag, such as a purse, backpack, crossbody bag, etc.)
You can use these bags to store hats, sunglasses, snacks, towels, money, travel documents, etc.
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Family Roadtrip Packing List
If you are planning a family road trip, there are some additional items that you should pack for your family.
- Snacks & Drinks – It is always a good idea to bring snacks and drinks on any vacation, especially on road trips. Doing this will save you money and time if you are traveling with kids!
- Portable Charger & Extra Batteries – You don’t want your devices running out of battery during your trip, so be sure to bring a portable charger and some extra batteries.
- Games – To ensure everyone stays entertained during the long car rides, pack some car games such as bingo, Mad Libs, or I Spy!
- Road Maps & Directions – Having a map with you is essential in case you get lost. Additionally, printing out directions beforehand might be helpful if you are going somewhere new.
- First-Aid Kit & Emergency Supplies – Having a first-aid kit and some emergency supplies is a good idea if you encounter any accidents or emergencies.
Family Beach Vacation Packing List
If you are planning a beach vacation for your family, here are some additional items you should pack.
- Beach Towels – Bring multiple beach towels to save space and ensure everyone can get dry!
- Swimsuits & Cover-ups – Make sure everyone has the right swimwear and cover-ups before you go.
- Beach Bag – To store all your beach essentials, you should bring a beach bag that is big enough to fit towels, sunscreen, and other items you may need.
- Snacks & Drinks – Don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks for the day!
- Sunscreen & Hats – Sun protection is critical, so ensure everyone has sunscreen and a hat to protect them from the sun.
- Beach Toys – Remember to bring some sand toys for the little ones! Buckets and shovels are great for making sandcastles, digging holes, etc.
Disney World Packing List
If you are planning a trip to Disney World, here are some additional items you should pack for your family.
- Comfortable Shoes – Make sure everyone has comfortable shoes for all the walking around the park you will be doing.
- Backpacks & Fanny Packs – Bring backpacks or fanny packs for each person to store snacks, drinks, and items you might need throughout the day.
- Autograph Books – If you plan on meeting any of the Disney characters, bring autograph books! These will be great souvenirs for your family.
- Ponchos & Rain Gear – The weather in Florida can be unpredictable, so it’s always good to be prepared for rain showers.
- Camera & Film – Don’t forget to bring a camera and film to capture all your magical moments!
Family Camping Packing List
You should pack the following items when going on a camping family trip.
- Tent, Air Mattresses, and Sleeping Bags – Make sure everyone has the right tent and sleeping bag for their size.
- Cooking Gear & Food – Bring cooking gear, such as a stove, pots and pans, utensils, etc. Also bring what you need for meals, snacks, and drinks.
- Cooler – The best way to keep cold food cold to avoid spoilage is by using an ice-filled cooler.
- Flashlights & Lanterns – Bring some flashlights and lanterns to ensure you have enough light when it gets dark outside.
- Camping Chairs – You need a comfy place to sit around the fire. Most campgrounds will have a picnic table you can sit at during meals.
- First-Aid Kit & Emergency Supplies – Just in case you encounter any accidents or emergencies, it is crucial to have a first-aid kit and some emergency supplies on hand.
- Firewood & Charcoal – To start campfires, you will need to bring firewood or charcoal.
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen – Don’t forget to bring bug spray and sunscreen to protect yourself from any bugs or sun
- Games – Bring games you can enjoy while camping, such as badminton, bocce ball, and card or board games!
How To Get Your Printable Family Vacation Packing List
Want to save this list for later? Well, I’ve got you covered!
I turned this entire list into a FREE printable packing list. This comprehensive guide will provide a checklist for each type of family vacation. Download the printable packing list here.
Now you have a comprehensive and organized packing list that your family can refer to when preparing for any vacation. I hope this list helps make packing for your next family vacation enjoyable and stress-free!
Read Next:
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Find the Perfect Swimsuit – Especially for Moms!
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